This
unique, modern love story, based on a novelette by Denis Diderot and with
dialogue written by Jean Cocteau, follows the maneuverings of a society lady as
she connives to initiate a scandalous affair between her aristocratic ex-lover
and a prostitute. With his second feature film, director Robert Bresson was
already forging his singularly brilliant filmmaking technique as he created a
moving study of the power, revenge and the strength of true love. Bresson's next
film after this, was regarded by many as his masterpiece; 'The Diary of a
Country Priest'. With subtleties such as hand gestures, strong visuals and inert
themes of naiveté in direct contrast to the cultural environment of the times
are all tell-tale pre-cursors of Bresson's forthcoming and essential cinematic
work.

These images are very similar, but
the BFI may have had some slight brightness boosting. Both issue are
equally as sharp showing moderate film grain. However, the Criterion has
quite a bit of cropping from the top edge and the BFI perhaps less-so on
the left edge. The BFI has , surprisingly, richer black levels.
These points are all very small as both images are very similar - but
with Bresson I want the best of all available in my collection. For
image I think I'll take the BFI. Extras are too meager on both releases,
but the Criterion may notch ahead.

They're
different transfers, but probably from the same print. When the first
title comes on screen - "Paul Bernard" - the BFI version repositions
itself, and "Paul Bernard" moves down the screen slightly. This does
not happen on the Criterion version. Hence, definitely different
transfers.

The BFI version seems to have ever so slightly
better contrast and resolution but the difference is marginal. The
sound defect "skkkwrrrr.... skkkwwrrrr... skwrrrr" (sound
defect that remedies itself after 15 minutes on both discs) is present on both
versions. The BFI thank Films Ariane (same as Criterion).

The BFI disc only offers the original film
poster (a 10 second video piece that goes back to the menu of its own
accord, and might have been better as a static gallery screen)."